Our wireless devices transmit and receive information through the air using invisible radiofrequency (RF) waves.

RF waves are composed of electric and magnetic energy fields that move together through space.

The waves transfer packets of digital information that is converted into audio, video, pictures, text, images and other data.

RF waves are comprised of electric and magnetic energy fields that move together through space creating non-ionizing radiation.

Here at 5GMDs, we commonly refer to the non-ionizing radiation produced by RF waves as “wireless radiation”.

Wireless radiation is non-ionizing but can still cause biological changes

Radiation is classified as “ionizing” when its frequency becomes high enough that it has enough energy to remove electrons from the matter it is passing through and can directly damage DNA.  X-rays are an example of ionizing radiation.

Wireless radiation is non-ionizing radiation does not have enough energy to remove an electron from an atom (ionize) and cause cancer by directly damaging cellular DNA. 

However, heating and other biological changes can occur when the body absorbs high levels of wireless radiation; this can lead to cell and tissue damage and potentially even cancer over time.

The closer you are to the source of wireless radiation, the higher your exposure will be.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The Electromagnetic Spectrum pictured below summarizes the different types of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that exist.

Examples of of information-carrying radiofrequency waves are shown in the middle of the graphic. 

Radiofrequency waves are a type of EMF that produce non-ionizing “wireless” radiation

Frequency is defined as the number of complete wave cycles that occur in one second.  Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz).  For example, an EMF wave with a frequency of 100 Hz would complete one hundred cycles in one second.

Wavelength is the distance covered by one complete cycle of the RF wave 

RF waves can be transmitted at many different frequencies.

Radiofrequency wave frequencies range from 300 cycles per second (300 Hz) to 300 billion cycles per second (300 GHz).

Higher frequency = higher energy = shorter wavelength.

Common sources of wireless radiation

Cellular Phones (5G, 4G, 3G, 2G)

Cell Phone Towers              

Smart Watches

Wi-Fi/ Wireless Routers

Desktop, Laptop and Tablet Computers

Smart Utility Meters

Wireless Alarm Systems and Security Cameras

Wireless Videogame Consoles

Smart TVs, Appliances and Devices

Cordless Phones

Wireless Baby Monitors

Modern Automobiles

2-way radios

Broadcast Television and Radio Signals

Global Positioning System (GPS) devices

Security screening scanners

Radio-frequency Identification (RFID) Technology

Near-field communication (NFC) Technology

Radar Equipment

TV Streaming Devices

Bluetooth Devices: Headsets, headphones, microphones, speakers, keyboards, game controllers, mice